|
Table 1 Physiological similarities between the different stages of REM sleep, effort, and arousal | |
|
Tonic REM/Effort |
Phasic REM/Arousal |
|
• Pupil dilation |
• Heart rate acceleration |
|
• Pupil constriction |
• Increased arterial blood pressure |
|
• Heart rate deceleration |
• Heart rate deceleration |
|
• EEG desynchronization |
• Pupil dilation |
|
• Rhythmic theta waves |
• Rapid eye movement |
|
• Intense activity in the hippocampus |
• Pupil constriction • Respiratory fluctuations • Increased electrodermal activity • Altered blood flow • Intense activity in the amygdala |
available data, the physiological similarities between the different stages of REM sleep,
effort, and arousal are striking. Tonic REM appears to be the unconscious equivalent of
effort, and phasic REM appears to involve the same kind of physiological arousal that
occurs during wakefulness.
Given the many physiological similarities, it seems reasonable to suggest that
REM sleep facilitates the “mobilization of energy,” just as effort and arousal do. More
specifically, the different stages of REM sleep, effort, and arousal probably increase the
amount of energy available in the brain or some part of it. Such an idea is certainly
supported by the fact that sleep, effort, and arousal have the same effect on a person: they
elevate alertness. A person can improve his or her ability to focus on performing a task
by getting a good night’s sleep with adequate REM sleep or by exerting effort and
becoming physiologically aroused. Any differences are merely a matter of degree.
preliminary draft (9/24/2006)